Plenty of quality at York for Frankel to consider

The Ballydoyle trainer said the £725,000 contest on Knavesmire had always been in his mind for St Nicholas Abbey, who has only run twice at the 10-furlong trip in his 15-race career.

The Montjeu five-year-old was last seen finishing third to Danedream over a mile-and-a-half in the King George at Ascot, beaten by less than two lengths. While Frankel has eight Group One successes to his name, St Nicholas Abbey also boasts impressive credentials, having won no fewer than four Group One races himself.

O’Brien said: “The Juddmonte was always going to be one of the races that St Nic could run in. We were happy with his run in the King George. He relaxed, travelled and quickened really well.

“He had a little bit of a break after the King George and seems well. We’ve always thought the world of him – he is a very exciting horse. And we still think he is on the upgrade.

“We’re looking forward to seeing him run at York – and watching Frankel. Frankel is a great horse and it’s just a privilege to see him run, really.”

Fears the showpiece race may lack serious opposition to Frankel, the world’s highest-rated horse, have been further allayed by the news that last year’s winner, Twice Over, will defend his crown.

The Group One is understandably close to the heart of Juddmonte Farms owner Khalid Abdullah, having sponsored the race for over two decades.

He tasted victory in the 10-furlong contest for the first time 12 months ago, with Twice Over narrowly getting the better of Midday in a one-two for Abdullah and trainer Sir Henry Cecil.

While Frankel will clearly be red-hot favourite as he aims to maintain his unbeaten record stepping up beyond a mile for the first time, the owner’s racing manager, Teddy Grimthorpe, feels Twice Over deserves his place alongside his superstar stablemate.

“This is Prince Khalid’s 22nd year of sponsoring the Juddmonte International so to bring Frankel to the race is hugely important to him,” said Grimthorpe.

“I don’t think the step up to 10 furlongs will be a concern. In his early days he used to get carried away with his phenomenal stride but under Sir Henry Cecil’s guidance he has learnt to settle better and better. He has built up a good relationship with Tom Queally and they respect each other. Tom says ‘Go’ to Frankel now – not the other way around.

“You dream about horses like Frankel. It is wonderful to take him to York. Twice Over is the defending champion so it makes sense to run.”

n Australian trainer Paul Messara has high hopes for Ortensia in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York on August 24.

The seven-year-old mare showed her true colours with a sparkling win in the King George Stakes at Glorious Goodwood under William Buick after being slightly disappointing in Royal Ascot’s King’s Stand Stakes and the Darley July Cup at Newmarket.

Messara said: “She’s in great form.

“She came through her last race really well and we are happy with her work.”

n Jessica Harrington is looking forward to a crack at next week’s Darley Yorkshire Oaks with Bible Belt following an encouraging performance at Leopardstown. The Irish trainer is now ready to pitch the filly into Group One class and is hoping for a sound surface on Knavesmire.